Mental Health vs. Mental Illness
Conceptualization
It needs to be said that the way mental health and mental illness are perceived has changed over the years, and a broad range of concepts has been developed. For example, such concept as “brain disease” is particularly interesting because it suggests that most psychological disorders are caused by abnormalities or possible dysfunctions in the organ (Taylor & Bentley, 2004). It needs to be said that such an approach can be fit into the medical model. However, it needs to be said that it is frequently criticized, and other significant issues also should not be disregarded. Another concept that needs to be discussed is “behavioral health”. One of the most important aspects that should not be overlooked is that it attempts to create a connection between medicine and psychology. The fact that mental health is promoted among the population is also critical (Stenius, 2007). It is necessary to note that a difference between these concepts is significant and should be taken into account.
Influence on Assessment and Diagnosis
It is important to understand that it is necessary to focus on different aspects depending on the chosen concept, and it may have a tremendous impact on the results that are received. It is necessary to mention that conceptualization plays a crucial role in the process of assessment and diagnosis because it may affect the way the client behaves. Responses may also change depending on the situation. It is paramount to avoid possible questions that would be met negatively, and could affect the results. It is necessary to mention that aspects related to ethics also should not be overlooked, and taken into account when the professional communicates the diagnosis to an individual (Dougherty, 2005). Overall, it is imperative to say that an understanding of different concepts is essential for every professional.
Risk & Resilience
Risk and Resilience of Clients
It is imperative to note that one of the critical variables that affect the risk and resilience of individuals is their age. One of the recent studies indicates that older people were much more resilient in most cases. On the other hand, young individuals showed better results in situations that were associated with social support. Also, it should be said that such aspects as mental issues and possible physical dysfunction cause the levels of resilience to increase among older individuals most of the time (Gooding, Hurst, Johnson, & Tarrier, 2012).
Importance of the Variable
It is paramount to note that this variable is essential for the diagnosis in most cases because it allows professionals to identify possible risk factors that should be considered during the process of treatment. Also, it should be noted that the risk and resilience of an individual can be influenced at an early age, and necessary measures should be taken to make sure that an environment has a positive effect on a person (Fritz, 2015). It is necessary to say that treatment also should be based on the maturity of the patient, and it should not be overlooked during the process of diagnosis.
The Development of Psychopathology
It needs to be said that social support is one of the core variables that have an influence on the process of development of psychopathology in most cases because it allows individuals to avoid several symptoms such as distress (DeRoon-Cassini, Mancini, Rusch, & Bonanno, 2010). It is imperative to note that an interaction with the age of the client is critical because it is evident that the way that people perceive help from others differs quite often.
References
DeRoon-Cassini, T., Mancini, A., Rusch, M., & Bonanno, G. (2010). Psychopathology and Resilience Following Traumatic Injury. Rehabilitation Psychology, 55(1), 1-11.
Dougherty, J. (2005). Ethics in case conceptualization and diagnosis: incorporating a medical model into the developmental counseling tradition. Counseling and Values, 49(2), 132-141.
Fritz, G. (2015). Psychological resilience in children. The Brown University Child and Adolescent Behavior Letter, 31(2), 8.
Gooding, P., Hurst, A., Johnson, J., & Tarrier, N. (2012). Psychological resilience in young and older adults. International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 27(3), 262-270.
Stenius, K. (2007). Promoting mental health: concepts, emerging evidence, practice. Addiction, 102(12), 1991.
Taylor, M., & Bentley, K. (2004). Changing conceptualizations of mental health and mental illness. Social Work in Mental Health, 2(4), 1-15.